Counting Nutrients Versus Counting Calories for Weight Loss

Thursday, June 26, 2008 by: Sheryl Walters
Tags: weight loss, health news, Natural News

(NewsTarget) I have just been to a raw food super foods gathering to celebrate the launch of Kate Wood's new book Raw Magic. It was such a fantastic group of people, and there were all sorts of delicious raw treats being passed around. Not only did I meet some amazing people, but I am even more inspired to consume as many super foods as possible.

I was flicking through the book, and one thing (of many) that stood out was a line that said "If you want to lose weight, stop counting calories and start counting nutrients or super foods."

This is a simple and effective way of phrasing what I have been saying for years. My sister and I continually have this debate because she is hooked on the idea that counting calories and ensuring they are low is the best way to lose weight.

And so companies such as weight watchers come out with these low calorie bars and ready made meals... but how many nutrients do they have inside of them? Are they really going to help people lose weight? And how long will the weight stay off? As soon as they stop counting the calories, the weight will just pile back on.

Further, will this obsession over calories offer the calorie-counting believers vibrant health? Will they feel more alive and experience true wellbeing by ensuring they aren't overdosing on calories?

I know people who save their calories all week so they can have something really "naughty" on the weekend. Is this really the way to be on a diet... and how long can it be sustained?

I believe, like Kate Wood, that the secret to losing weight and truly experiencing optimum health is to count the nutrients in the food you are eating. Love the food you eat because you know it will nourish your body, making you look and feel gorgeous.

I know people on the calorie counting diet who eat a breakfast cereal for breakfast that offers absolutely nothing of nutritional value whatsoever. Imagine how much more effective forgetting the calories are, and enjoying a healthy smoothie for breakfast, made out of super foods like hemp seeds, flaxseeds, goji berries, bananas, blueberries, bee pollen, and some agave nectar.

Who knows how many calories it has... and who cares? Every ingredient is nourishing the body and mind. It is literally filling the body with the fuel it needs to be its most powerful.

I really enjoyed yesterday's gathering and am inspired to carry on enjoying as many super foods as I possibly can. I wish that everyone reading this could have experienced the delicious array of food that went around. From raw chocolate cake (with frosting!) to delicious smoothies, to incredible raw bread with pesto and avocado topping... it was a super food feast!

Actually, now that I think of it, you can enjoy all of these treats by ordering Kate Wood's new book Raw Magic. In it you will be tempted by the most delicious super foods recipes on the planet.

And you will never have to count a calorie again, while doing far more than losing a bit of weight!

About the author

Sheryl is a kinesiologist, nutritionist and holistic practitioner.
Her website www.younglivingguide.com provides the latest research on preventing disease, looking naturally gorgeous, and feeling emotionally and physically fabulous. You can also find some of the most powerful super foods on the planet including raw chocolate, purple corn, and many others.